Damaged Clearfield bridge remains closed for repairs

Clearfield drivers can expect to wait two more weeks before they can use a bridge that was shut down Tuesday after sustaining damage during heavy rainfall.

An embankment by the Center Street bridge was partly washed away Tuesday by an irrigation malfunction and rain. City Manager Adam Lenhard described the damage as "cosmetic," but said the city would keep the bridge closed to repair it even though the structure itself was still sound.

The bridge, just west of State Street, was a detour route as the Utah Department of Transportation closed State Road 193 for its own maintenance. Since heavy trucks would be passing over the bridge, city officials decided it would be a better idea to make the repairs as soon as possible.

"We felt that it was better safe than sorry," Lenhard said.

On Tuesday night, the city council approved a $50,000 repair project that would likely take seven days to finish. The city will start seeking bids on Thursday and hopes to award the project by the end of the week, Lenhard said.

kbennion@sltrib.com

Twitter: @KimballBennion